Linus, my Surry Hills brunch buddy visited Cowbell 808 a couple of weeks back. We decided on this venue as we have been eyeing the famous Ricotta Hotcakes and Bacon Icecream (yes, bacon!!). The cafe is situated on Bourke Street, close to Bourke Street Bakery (and yes, we  couldn't resist visiting the bakery after brunch to grab some tarts!).

The cafe wasn't too busy on that weekday but we chose to sit on one of the few tables outside on the footpath to absorb some vitamin D. So, of course we ordered the 'Fat Stacked Ricotta Hotcakes' ($18) which was oozing out marscapone. You can choose to have it served with espresso syrup or maple syrup but we decided to try both. It was our whole day's meal in one; we weren't sure if we were having breakfast, brunch or dessert. The hotcakes were light and fluffy but I was disappointed with the bacon ice cream. There were minuscule bits of bacon mixed in the scoop of ice cream but other than that it was outshone by the sweetness. Also, definitely go with the maple syrup if you are not a big coffee fan!


We also ordered the Cowbell 808 burger ($18) to share which included a ground beef patty, lettuce, cheese, pickles and onion served between a sesame seed bun and with a few spiced onion rings on the side. The burger wasn't too bad but again I wasn't blown away with the dish.


Overall, it was a nice little establishment but I wasn't overawe with our food choices. They had a few other interesting items on the menu such as Lamb Toastie and Grilled Eggplant Roll as well as the usual breakfast favourites such as baked eggs and bircher muesli but Cowbell 808 hasn't left me longing to come back.



Cowbell 808 
Address: 616 Bourke Street Surry Hills 2010
Phone: 9698 5044
Opening times: 7 am-3 pm, Monday to Friday.  8 am-3pm Saturday and Sunday
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Cowbell808

I think I have a new favourite brunch place! Walking along the quiet main road of Balmain I was drawn into Bar Contessa by its modern yet rustic style décor.


At the first glance of the menu, I wanted to order everything, which is when I knew I would already love Bar Contessa.  I was drooling as the waiters were bringing out other diners' meals such as big juicy cheese burgers with thick cut chips, huge chicken tortillas and large bowls of creamy cauliflower soup and sourdough bread.


The menu featured an all day breakfast menu (awesome!) and a variety of lunch menu items.

The past few times I have ordered fritters at previous café I wasn't entirely impressed but for some strange reason I feel drawn to order them everytime. However, when the House Make Corn  Cakes ($18.50) came out my eyes widened, the serving was massive. I couldn't wait to dig in! The corn fritters were topped with fresh guacamole, rocket, tomato salsa and generous serving of  chorizo sausage. Instead of the chorizo there was also a choice of hickory smoked bacon, Tasmanian smoked salmon or sauteéd field mushrooms.


My date ordered the Spicy Italian Meatball Melt ($14.50)  from the lunch menu. The meatballs are also house made and was served on toasted sourdough with fresh basil, provolone cheese, fresh rocket, chilli and shaved italian parmesan. The meatballs were flavoursome and juicy with a good hit of spice which was no overpowering and who doesn't love melted cheese?

It was definitely love at first sight with the small buzzing cafe. I can't wait to come back and my other brunch favourites such as The Ultimate Cheeseburger and Brioche French Toast.





Bar Contessa
Address: 71b Darling Street Balmain 2041
Phone: 9555 7399
Website: http://www.barcontessa.com.au/